The Art of Relational Evangelism: Building Bridges to the Gospel

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:35

Evangelism. For many, the word alone can evoke feelings of fear, guilt, or even discomfort. We may picture street preachers with bullhorns, or awkward conversations where we struggle to find the right words. While bold proclamations of the gospel have their place, today I want to explore a different approach—one that reflects the love of Christ and the relational nature of the gospel itself.

Relational evangelism is about building authentic connections with others in a way that naturally leads to opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. It’s not about forcing a conversation or cramming the gospel into every interaction, but about loving people where they are and allowing God to work through those relationships to draw them closer to Him.

1. Jesus as Our Model of Relational Evangelism

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see the perfect example of relational evangelism. He didn’t come to earth to simply deliver a message; He came to live among people, to form deep relationships with them, and to show them the heart of the Father through His life.

Jesus spent time with tax collectors, sinners, fishermen, and the marginalized. He shared meals with them, laughed with them, and sat with them in their mess. And in those spaces, He built bridges of love that led to moments of transformation. Jesus didn’t just preach at people; He invited them into relationship with Him, and through that relationship, their hearts were changed.

We are called to follow His example. The goal of relational evangelism is not to "win" arguments or convince someone to change their mind in one conversation, but to invite them into a journey of discovery and connection with Christ.

2. The Foundation of Relational Evangelism: Love

The foundation of all relational evangelism is love. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). Love is the key that opens doors to meaningful conversations. When we love others genuinely—whether they share our faith or not—it’s an expression of God’s love for them.

This kind of love is patient, kind, and non-judgmental. It listens before speaking, and seeks to understand rather than to convince. It means meeting people where they are, not expecting them to meet us halfway or to conform to our expectations. This love isn’t manipulative; it’s selfless. It’s about desiring the best for the other person, and letting that love speak louder than any argument or persuasion.

As we engage in relationships, let our love for others reflect the love Christ has shown us. When people experience that kind of love, they begin to ask questions about the source of it—and that’s where the gospel can be shared.

3. Building Bridges: Being Present in the Lives of Others

Evangelism isn’t just about a single moment of speaking the truth—it’s about presence. We build bridges to the gospel by being genuinely present in the lives of those around us. Whether it’s our neighbors, coworkers, friends, or even strangers we meet along the way, we are called to engage with others in authentic ways.

Jesus was present in the lives of those He ministered to. He didn’t just walk into a room, deliver a message, and leave. He took the time to get to know people, to understand their struggles, their questions, and their fears. He entered their stories and invited them into His.

To build bridges to the gospel, we must show up in people’s lives—not with an agenda, but with a heart to listen and to be a true friend. These relationships take time. They involve shared experiences, understanding, and building trust. As we form genuine connections with others, we position ourselves to share the love and hope of Christ in a way that feels natural and sincere.

4. Engaging Conversations: Listening First, Speaking Later

One of the most powerful tools in relational evangelism is listening. People want to be heard, understood, and valued. When we listen deeply to others—especially when they are sharing their struggles or life questions—we build trust and open the door for more meaningful conversations.

In John 4, we see Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. He didn’t start by preaching to her; He engaged her in conversation, asked her questions, and met her where she was. Only then, after hearing her heart, did He gently reveal the truth about Himself as the Messiah.

We are called to be good listeners, to understand people’s worldviews, and to respect their experiences. As we do this, we create the space for the Holy Spirit to guide our words when the time is right. Evangelism isn’t about having all the answers on the spot; it’s about walking alongside people, sharing your own story, and waiting for God to open the doors to speak truth.

5. A Life That Reflects the Gospel

Ultimately, the best form of evangelism is a life that reflects the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. Our actions speak louder than words ever could. If we want people to hear the gospel, we must first live the gospel—showing kindness, humility, forgiveness, and compassion in our everyday lives.

The apostle Paul tells us that we are Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). As His representatives, our actions and attitudes must reflect His heart for the world. When others see us living out our faith with authenticity and love, they begin to see Jesus in us. Our relationships become bridges for the gospel, and people begin to wonder, "Why do you live the way you do?" And in those moments, we can share the hope that we have in Christ.

6. The Power of Prayer in Relational Evangelism

None of this can be accomplished on our own strength. Evangelism is a work of the Holy Spirit. We must commit to praying for the people in our lives, asking God to soften their hearts, open their eyes, and lead them into relationship with Him. We also need to pray for the courage and wisdom to be faithful in our witness and to trust that God will use our relationships for His glory.

Moving Forward

Relational evangelism is not about a method, but about a mindset. It’s about recognizing that we are surrounded by people who need the love of Christ, and understanding that we have the opportunity to build bridges through authentic relationships. It’s not about forcing a conversation or trying to "win" people to Jesus. It’s about walking alongside others, loving them deeply, and allowing the Holy Spirit to use our words and actions to draw them to Christ.

So, I encourage you today to embrace the art of relational evangelism. Build bridges of love, show up in the lives of others, listen with compassion, and live a life that reflects the gospel. As you do, trust that God will use your relationships to bring His message of hope to a world in desperate need of it.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

Blessings,

Apostle. Dr. Paul Igbinoghene